The Cadillac of Super 8 Cameras?

[low grade moron]

Cadillacs are fine cars. They lost their way in the 1970's and 1980's. But overall, they were so well respected and persons say "the Cadillac of..." because in prior decades they represented the best of American industry. Through much of the 20th Century that truth of American industry excellence represented many things, except cameras, watches, sports cars, wine, and designer clothes.

Today, Cadillacs are excellent "bargains" among the segment where they are placed. In some sense, they've found their way again, though the finest luxury vehicle today is certainly the Rolls Royce Phantom. By some margin. Excellent alternate choices include the Maserati Quatroporte and the Mercedes S class. Though in the latter case, something was lost in the transition from the amazing "bowflex" styling from last year's model, to the new model.

One would hope, however, that you are suggesting that you want "the best" by using such a phrase with regards to super 8 cameras, and not the most features. Most features on super 8 cameras are rendered obsolete in today's NLE PC/MAC world. So "the most features" specification that doesn't focus on lens choices and practical highest quality image making and unique film effects -- mean nothing.

Therefore, seeing as all fixed superfast zoom lens cameras from 30 years ago are crap, all but straightforward image-making potential and diverse "film only" special effects are the only actual worthwhile considerations.

So, you have only two choices. Based on all logical deduction.

Beaulieu 6008 / 7008 (same camera virtually). Or Leicina Special.

Period.

[woods01]

Yes, I when I used Cadillac as an adjective I meant in its classic term as the best. Given how old these cameras I thought the old term was appropiate.

Best camera is subjective since certain cameras perform better at certain
tasks. Nizo for silence, Beaulieu for its lense options, etc. Basically I'm
getting tired of using the cheap cameras I've got and want something that
is of quality.

The most fun I had shooting was with my Canon 514XL, the viewfinder was
great and the camera was compact. Unfortunately its auto only so Tri-X is
the only thing that works with it otherwise I thought it was great.

I hope to get two new cameras for this year, one of the higher end models
and a more compact silent camera that has decent auto-exposure for
documentaries.

[audadvnc]

Rolls-Royce and Maserati versus Cadillac in the Super 8 forum, between posters who'd rather use Walmart than send their film to a real lab. Gotta love it! :lol:

[Elmogs]

Because once you buy the Rolls Royce/Cadillac...you dont have any money left for processing!

[David M. Leugers]

Just to chime in on the meaning of "the Cadillac of...", Cadillacs were known for many years as the benchmark for American cars for engineering excellence (gigantic Detroit iron). Their V8 engines were indestructible as well as the cars themselves. They were built to last and still are and were priced accordingly. In that respect they were definitely a notch above the typical GM fare. The term really only has meaning to Americans, probably older bastards like myself...
If I could afford one, I'd have one in my driveway. 8)



David M. Leugers

[flatwood]

When I was working for Mickey Gilley and the Urban Cowboys, Gilley bought his daddy a new Caddy ElDo. The next time we stopped by his house his dad had traded it for Lincoln Continental. Why? He said that there was something wrong with the Caddy's windshield wipers. Everytime he turned them on they would stop after one wipe so he traded it for the Lincoln. Everybody has intermittent wipers now but I guess Caddy was early on with them.

The aformentioned Canons, while more along the lines of a Chevy or Ford pickup truck or SUV, rate high among their users - me for one. JMO.